Heathcliff appears to have many “fiendish” traits, which are in keeping with his role as a ‘Byronic heroine’ from Wuthering Heights. This character is dark and rebellious. Heathcliff presents a different persona. Heathcliff does not have the romantic appeal of Byronic heroes. Heathcliff, with his childhood abuse, his loneliness, and the psychological deterioration he experienced after Cathy’s death, is a remarkably sympathetic figure.
Bronte portrays Heathcliff as having a rough childhood, with a lot of abuse. This makes us sympathetic to him because he’s so vulnerable. Heathcliff, who is already orphaned by the time we read this book, appeals to Gothic themes. Heathcliff is objectified by “it”, making him a disposable item for Mrs Earnshaw. He can be “thrown” away like rubbish. Heathcliff suffers physical abuse to illustrate the mistreatment he has received. But despite this, he does not show retaliation. He simply tolerates the violence. Heathcliff’s childhood was filled with physical and emotional torment. Some may say that Heathcliff is a fiend even though he has suffered such abuse. Heathcliff uses his position as a victim to manipulate Hindley. He tells Hindley that if he doesn’t give him the horse, he will “tell [Hindley’s] father about the three thrashings he has given [him] in the last week.” Heathcliff may have been deemed a fiend by some for his devious response. Heathcliff may not be the one to blame for the behavior. He is just reacting. Heathcliff cannot defend himself because he does not belong to Earnshaw’s family. Heathcliff’s only description is that he’s a “dirty child, with black-haired.”
Heathcliff’s loneliness begins as a child, but carries on into adulthood. The reader is compelled to feel sympathy for Heathcliff. Heathcliff begins to feel isolated intellectually when Hindley refuses him an education. Hindley’s “Begone!” screams later intensify this feeling of denial, which leads to Heathcliff becoming physically isolated. At the party, you vagabond!” Heathcliff is isolated because he never feels at home in the Earnshaw household. Heathcliff’s isolation is further cemented by the “rough remedy” he receives away from others. This euphemism shows how Heathcliff’s suffering is hidden from his family so they can not describe what is happening. A similar event shows how the others are not willing to accept Heathcliff’s brutality, and instead ignore him and isolate. Heathcliff’s violent experiences might not seem as dramatic to Victorian readers because violent tyrants in Victorian families were not unusual. Healthcliff’s readers may have been less sympathetic to him because of this. Heathcliff suffers from violence and is isolated, but this is not without reason. Most readers will sympathize with him.
The scene that leads up to Cathy’s impending death is a major part of Heathcliff’s novel and plays a significant role in evoking empathy for Heathcliff. This scene is awash with Gothic macabre imagery, particularly when Cathy blames Heathcliff for her death and tells him to “writh[e] in the tortures of hell …””, bringing images of eternal damnation and fire. Hell is a place that represents spiritual suffering and the pernicious effect of Cathy predicting her lover’s death. Cathy’s accusation: “You killed me!” evokes further sympathy. Heathcliff has benefited from this …”, blaming Heathcliff as the “murderer” of Cathy, even though he knows that it’s not true. Cathy’s questions, such as “Will You Be Happy When I Am In The Earth?” further illustrate the disparity. She holds Heathcliff responsible for her destiny. Heathcliff’s response to Cathy yelling “You deserve it” might be interpreted by some as fiendish. The audience is unable to feel sympathy for Heathcliff because of this statement. Most would say that Heathcliff’s outburst is a result of his self-defense or circumstances. Heathcliff is not trying to humiliate Cathy by lowering himself to her level.
Heathcliff is ultimately the most sympathetic character in the novel, due to his unjust circumstances that leave him heartbroken and isolated. He is a Byronic Hero with a flaw that makes him a flawed character: his temper. Heathcliff has a fiendish nature because of his treatment by other characters. To say he’s “far from evil” would be to ignore how he treats characters like Isabella and Hindley. Heathcliff’s behavior is viewed as both evil and sympathetic.
